LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Lake Placid has bid on an event that has the potential to match the international atmosphere and impact of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games.  

The 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championships is a half Ironman distance competition that welcomes more than 4,500 athletes and their family and friends from over 90 countries. Lake Placid was selected as one of 40 potential North American Host Region representatives to submit a proposal. 

“We’ve received enthusiastic support from elected officials, lodging and retail businesses and business associations throughout the Adirondacks including Essex, Hamilton, Franklin and Clinton counties, and New York State,” said James McKenna, president of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). “As a longtime host of the oldest full-distance Ironman event in the continental U.S., we think we have a very strong chance for a successful bid.”

The event, like Ironman Lake Placid, includes swim, bike and run components, but the duration of the races will be much different. Rather than a single-day event, the 70.3 World Championships run two days tentatively scheduled for Sept. 6-11, 2017, with the Women’s World Championship race held Sept. 9 and the Men’s World Championship Sept. 10. Each day of competition is shorter than Ironman Lake Placid, as the race is half the distance of the full Ironman, so the swim begins at 8 a.m. and the run must be completed by mid-afternoon. 

Elected officials cite several potential benefits to the winning host region. “This event will provide tremendous global exposure for Lake Placid and the Adirondacks,” said Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall. “And with participants from more than 90 countries, it will evoke the international aura and spirit of excitement to rival that of 1980.” 

“The potential economic impact of this event is tremendous, as it could potentially bring more than 15,000 people from all over the world to the region for a significant amount of time. The scheduled events are six days, including two days for the race. Plus, it is not unusual for Europeans and other world travelers to spend more than a week in a destination. Ironman estimates a direct economic impact of $15.4 million,” said Roby Politi, town of North Elba supervisor. “And it will bring them here in a perfect calendar slot: the week after Labor Day.” 

“This would be another premier Lake Placid event that would further our brand in the international world of sport,” said Ted Blazer, president and CEO of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority. “We will be proud to host the Ironman World Championship 70.3 at our Olympic sites.” 

“This event will solidify Lake Placid, the Adirondacks’ and New York State's place as one of the premiere destinations for Ironman competition and training,” added McKenna.  

ROOST will receive confirmation in May 2015 as to whether Lake Placid has been short-listed as a potential Host City; the final selected site will be notified in June 2015. 

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.